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Talent Bope

Herald Reporter

A group of 33 students in three Zimbabwean state universities will benefit from Chinese-funded scholarship programmes at their colleges as the two countries treasure and cherish their historic diplomatic relations.

The China-Zimbabwe Scholarship programme, a brainchild of the Chinese Embassy, is expected to continue in Zimbabwe nominating students in state universities as means to embrace the country’s national goals.

The scholarship programme is part of China Africa Economic and Culture Exchange and Research Centre (CAECERC), which has helped propel development in Africa.

In a statement, chairman of CAECERC Mr Ke Zhao indicated that supporting education in Zimbabwe was part of cementing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Zimbabwe and China shared a similar historical background and enjoyed profound traditional friendship.

Mr Ke said the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship will be launched soon in Harare, Gweru and Bulawayo, where nominations will be taking place for students who qualify for this year’s programme.

He said the scholarship will be renewed yearly for the duration of the undergraduate programme.

“This scholarship is being awarded to 33 students from three universities in Zimbabwe: University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University and National University of Science and Technology,” said Mr Ke.

“The programme will award these students with tuition fees for the whole academic year to these students and the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe initiated this programme as a means to help intelligent, responsible, but underprivileged students in the tertiary education sector.”

“Plans are already in place to obtain more funding from other Chinese and local companies in Zimbabwe so that it can cover many students and expand to other universities and tertiary institutions.

“We will be going to do the official launch and handover ceremony of the scholarship to the students. The CZFS also sends six students each year to the Nanjing University of Arts for Master’s Degree programmes in Arts.”

Mr Zhao said the programme this year was extended to include other degree programmes ranging from undergraduate, masters and PhD in other universities across China.